Flag Tips and Guides — boat flags

The diver down flag is a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. It tells boaters and other watercraft that scuba divers or snorkelers are in the water nearby. Why Is The Diver Down Flag Important? The flag serves as a warning to boaters to slow down, keep a safe distance, and watch carefully for people in the water. Divers can be difficult to see from the surface, making the flag an important safety signal. Where Is The Diver Down Flag Used? The diver down flag is commonly displayed from a boat, float, or buoy near divers. When displayed from...

A courtesy flag is flown by a visiting boat to show respect for the country or territory being visited. It is especially common when cruising internationally. Where Should It Be Flown? On a powerboat, the courtesy flag is traditionally displayed from a staff or halyard on the starboard side of the boat, usually where it can be clearly seen. On a sailing yacht, the courtesy flag is commonly flown from the starboard spreader, below the starboard spreader flag or other appropriate rigging point. The exact location can vary depending on the boat's rig, flag arrangement, and local maritime customs. The...

WHAT IS THE JOLLY ROGER? The Jolly Roger is the famous pirate flag traditionally associated with a skull and crossed bones on a dark background. Today, it is one of the world's most recognizable symbols of piracy, adventure, and the high seas. The familiar skull-and-crossbones design was not the only pirate flag. Pirates used many different designs, including skeletons, bleeding hearts, hourglasses, weapons, and other symbols intended to frighten their victims. WHERE DID THE NAME COME FROM? The exact origin of the name “Jolly Roger” is uncertain. Historians have proposed several explanations, but there is no universally accepted answer. One...